Welcome to a Spectacular Season at Heritage Museums & Gardens

Sandwich, MA (April 29, 2025) – As the seasons shift and the gardens burst into full bloom, Heritage Museums & Gardens is ready to welcome visitors for an exciting new season filled with vibrant exhibitions, immersive experiences, and the grand opening of a highly anticipated addition to the property. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an automobile aficionado, a nature lover, or someone looking for a family-friendly outing, this year’s offerings promise something for everyone.

The Barbey Family Welcome Center – A Grand Entrance
Heritage Museums & Gardens is thrilled to announce the opening of the Barbey Family Welcome Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the visitor experience from the moment you arrive. This stunning new addition provides a warm and inviting space where guests can gather information, purchase tickets, shop at the retail store and learn about the museum’s history, gardens, exhibitions, and programs. The Welcome Center is a tribute to the generous support of the Barbey family, whose commitment to Heritage and education ensures that the museum remains an accessible, sustainable and enriching destination for all.

Exploring the Exhibits
This season, Heritage Museums & Gardens is proud to present four captivating exhibits that celebrate the intersection of history, nature, and innovation.

Bountiful Bogs: The Massachusetts Cranberry Story
Cranberries are inseparably linked to our region as a vital part of our heritage and culture. This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the history of cranberries, from their use by Indigenous people past and present, to the beginning of cranberry cultivation on Cape Cod in 1816. Learn about the ingenuity and perseverance of the farmers and workers who shaped this vital industry. Examine the issues impacting the industry today, and the growing movement to rewild unneeded cranberry bogs. This exhibit marks the debut of Heritage’s newly acquired cranberry collection, the largest museum collection in the country. Bountiful Bogs: The Massachusetts Cranberry Story opens on May 10.

David Rogers’ Big Bugs

Prepare to be amazed by Big Bugs, a larger-than-life outdoor installation featuring enormous, intricately detailed sculptures of insects and other pollinators. Created by renowned artist David Rogers, these massive sculptures made from natural materials bring attention to the essential role insects play in our ecosystems. David Rogers’ Big Bugs opens on May 31.

From Carriage to Classic: How Automobiles Transformed America
The automobile has had a profound impact on American culture, industry, and everyday life. From Carriage to Classic explores the evolution of the automobile, tracing its journey from horseless carriages to the sleek and powerful classic cars of the 20th century. From Carriage to Classic opens on May 10.

Heritage Highlights
A celebration of Heritage Museums & Gardens’ most treasured collections, Heritage Highlights showcases artifacts, artwork, and historical objects that define the museum’s legacy. Featured this year are objects related to Cape Cod’s maritime history and windmill memorabilia to celebrate the 225^thbirthday of Heritage’s Old East Mill. Heritage Highlights opens on May 10.

Adventure Awaits at the Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens
For those looking to add some excitement to their visit, the Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens offers an exhilarating treetop experience. This aerial adventure course features a series of challenging rope bridges, swinging elements, and zip lines that allow visitors to climb, balance, and soar through the trees.

Timeless Treasures: Carousel, Wetu, and More
In addition to these exciting exhibits, Heritage Museums & Gardens continues to offer beloved perennial attractions:

The 1908 Looff Carousel – Step back in time and take a ride on this beautifully restored antique carousel, a favorite among visitors of all ages.
The Wampanoag Wetu, Three Sisters-style Garden & Mush8n – Experience the rich traditions of the Wampanoag people with a visit to this traditional wetu dwelling, dug-out canoe, and indigenous-style garden.

Mark Your Calendar – Key Dates for the Season

Opening Day – May 10
Rhododendron Festival – May 16–May 26
Big Bugs Exhibit Opens – May 31
Heritage Annual Auto Show – June 7 (Rain date June 8)
Hydrangea Festival – July 11–July 20
Wampanoag Heritage Day – August 16
Closing Day – October 19
Gardens Aglow – Select nights between November 28–December 23

Plus, a variety of programs and events will be offered throughout the season, ensuring there is always something new to experience.

About Heritage Museums & Gardens
Located on nearly 100 acres of gardens, woodlands, and scenic trails, Heritage Museums & Gardens offers a one-of-a-kind Cape Cod experience. It’s the only destination where you can explore rare works of art, marvel at iconic antique automobiles, ride a vintage carousel, and wander through beautifully cultivated gardens—all in a single visit. Families can discover the wonders of Hidden Hollow, an immersive outdoor learning space for children of all ages, and learn about regional heritage in exhibits like Bountiful Bogs: The Massachusetts Cranberry Story. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or curious explorer, Heritage invites you to find your own special place.

Contact:
Judith Goetz
Heritage Museums & Gardens
jgoetz@heritagemuseums.org
774-205-2730